Cosmetic implement with movable applicator

ABSTRACT

Implements may include a movable applicator to manipulate an application surface to different angles for a more ergonomic application of cosmetics. An example cosmetic implement comprises a handle coupled to an applicator via a swivel connector. In some examples, when the movable ferrule is in a first position the applicator may be used in a traditional manner; however, when the ferrule is placed in a second position the applicator may be tilted at an angle, for a more efficient application of product to certain areas of the face, neck, head, or body of a person.

BACKGROUND

Multiple cosmetic implements exist for applying cosmetic, medicinal, orother product to an individual's face, head, or body. Different aspectsand features of the face, head, and body require application atdifferent angles. For example, holding an applicator shaft perpendicularto a certain area may be useful for applying cosmetic to a substantiallyflat area. In other examples, it may be more beneficial to have anapplicator at an angle relative to the surface for more preciseapplication. Additionally, different applications may require differentapplication surfaces, each capable of being applied at different angles.However, carrying multiple implements may be inconvenient, particularlywhen traveling, due to the amount of space taken up by the multipleimplements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a front view and a side view, respectively, of anillustrative example of a cosmetic implement with an applicator movablebetween multiple positions.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict perspective views of the cosmetic implement withan applicator shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the applicator movable between afirst position shown in FIG. 2A and the multiple positions shown in FIG.2B.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the components of the cosmetic implementshown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, 2A and 2B.

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the assembled components of the cosmeticimplement shown in FIGS. 1-3.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of an illustrative example of acosmetic implement with a ferrule which allows movement between a firstposition shown in FIG. 5A and the multiple positions including a pre-setposition shown in FIG. 5B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict perspective views of an illustrative example of acosmetic implement with a ferrule which allows movement between a firstposition shown in FIG. 6A and multiple pre-set positions as shown inFIG. 6B. FIG. 6C depicts a top view of the ferrule shown in FIGS. 6A and6B.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with aremovable applicator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Overview

Existing cosmetic implements are generally limited to or intended for aparticular function when applying cosmetic products. Thus, there remainsa need for an improved cosmetic implement to achieve multiple functionsor applications at various angles and with various application surfaces.This application describes various cosmetic implements for applying oneor more cosmetic products (e.g., blush, foundation, eye shadow, eyeliner, powder, concealer, primer, etc.) to a surface such as a face,neck, head, or body of a person.

In an implementation, the cosmetic implement may have a movableapplicator coupled to a handle which is free to move through a360-degree plane. In some implementations, the movable applicator may beconfigured to move relative to the handle to adjust the angle of theapplicator without changing the handle position, thereby improving theergonomics of application. For example, a user may require thehorizontal application of an eye liner, but may desire an applicationsurface angled toward the face at an acute angle relative to theapplicator in order to facilitate application of eye liner under thelower eye lashes. In such cases, the movable applicator may be moved toan angled position, allowing the applicator to be tilted at an angleaway from the axis of the handle. However, in other implementations, theuser may require an applicator aligned with the handle. In that case,the movable applicator may be moved or otherwise manipulated to aposition such that the applicator is aligned with the handle.Additionally, in some implementations, the applicator may be securedinto a plurality of positions at various angles between 0 degrees (i.e.,aligned with the handle axis) and 150 degrees.

By allowing the user to manipulate a single cosmetic implement tofulfill the multiple required applications of the user (i.e., preferredangular applications), according to the implementations describedherein, the user only needs to own/carry the single implement. This maybe more convenient and cost-effective to the user than existingimplements.

As used throughout the disclosure, the terms “applicator” and “movableapplicator” are intended to have substantially similar meanings. Thatis, “applicator,” as used throughout this disclosure, should beinterpreted as any sort of removable or non-removable applicatorattached to a handle via a swivel connector.

Following the “Overview,” the disclosure continues with a sectionentitled “Example Cosmetic Implements with Movable Applicator,” whichdescribes non-limiting examples of cosmetic implements with movableapplicators. Lastly, the discussion ends with a brief conclusion.

This brief overview, including section titles and correspondingdescriptions, is provided for the reader's convenience and is notintended to limit the scope of the claims. The features of the describedcosmetic implements and corresponding systems may be implemented in anynumber of forms. The example cosmetic implements and correspondingsystems described herein are merely illustrative. The implementationsdescribed herein are not mutually exclusive and aspects of the variousimplementations may be combined to arrive at other implementationswithin the scope of the claims. The features, functions, and advantagesthat have been discussed above or will be discussed below are merelyexamples that may, but need not necessarily, be achieved by cosmeticimplements or cosmetic implement systems according to one or moreimplementations described herein. Further details of various exampleimplementations are set forth below with reference to the followingdescription and drawings.

Example Cosmetic Implements with Movable Applicator

The figures illustrate various example cosmetic implements, where eachcosmetic implement contains one of a plurality of ferruleconfigurations, applicators, applicator angles, and/or applicationsurface characteristics.

FIGS. 1A and 1B depict a front view and a side view, respectively, of anillustrative example of a cosmetic implement 100 with an applicator 102movable between multiple positions relative to a handle 104. Asillustrated, the cosmetic implement 100 includes a movable applicator102 coupled to a handle 104 via a swivel connector with a ball and ashaft. The handle 104 may be formed of one or more of a metal material(e.g., steel, stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, alloys thereof,etc.), a plastic material (e.g., acrylic, polypropylene, polyvinylchloride, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, etc.), a wood material,ceramic material, graphite material, composite material (e.g.,fiberglass, carbon fiber, etc.), combinations of the preceding, or othersuitable material. A cross section of handle 104 may be circular,elliptical, square, rectangular or any other suitable shape. The handle104 may have a gripping surface thereon (e.g. rubber grip, texturedsurface treatment, soft touch paint, etc.).

The applicator 102 may house an application surface 106. In variousimplementations, the application surface 106 may be a collection orplurality of individual fibers or bristles. As illustrated in FIGS. 1Aand 1B, application surface 106 is shown as a group of bristles forminga brush applicator. In some implementations, the brush applicator may bemade of natural bristles (e.g., sable hair, squirrel hair, goat hair,etc.), synthetic bristles (e.g., plastic, silicone, latex, polyester orcomposites thereof), metallic bristles, flocking or a composite thereof.However, in other implementations, the application surface 106 may be asponge applicator or the like. Additionally, in some implementations,the application surface 106 may take on any number of shapes. Forexample, the application surface 106 illustrated in FIGS. 1A and 1Bcomprises a substantially rectangular shaped brush; however, othersuitable cross sectional shapes may be used (e.g., square, circular,ovular, rectangular, triangular, fan, etc.).

FIG. 1B depicts a side view of cosmetic implement 100. In theillustrative example, the applicator 102 side view cross sectional areais narrower than the front view. In other examples, the applicator 102side view cross sectional area may be the same size or wider than thefront view cross sectional area.

FIGS. 2A and 2B depict perspective views of the cosmetic implement withan applicator shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the applicator being movablebetween a first position (P₁) shown in FIG. 2A and the multiplepositions (e.g., P₂, P₃, P₄) shown in FIG. 2B. As depicted, the movableapplicator may be moved between multiple positions, each position beingdeflected at a particular angle from the axis of the handle 104.

Specifically, FIG. 2A illustrates the perspective view of cosmeticimplement 100, where the applicator 102 is in position P₁. FIG. 2Billustrates the perspective view of cosmetic implement 100, where theapplicator 102 is in positions P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄.

As described above with regard to FIGS. 1A and 1B, the position of themovable applicator 102 determines the angle at which the applicationsurface 106 may contact the head, face, or body. The movable applicator102 may be connected to the handle via a swivel connector 202. In someimplementations, the swivel connector may be made of metal, plastic,carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. In variousimplementations, the swivel connector 202 may comprise a ball and ashaft. The ball of the swivel connector may be housed in the handle 104,the first end being proximal to the applicator, and/or in a ferrule 204,in a ball-and-socket type configuration.

In various implementations, the ferrule 204 may be coupled to the firstend of the handle 104. The ferrule 204 may be made of metal, plastic,carbon fiber, or any other suitable material. In some implementations,the ferrule 204 may comprise a cutout. The cutout depicted in FIG. 2A issubstantially circular. However, in other implementations, the cutoutmay be substantially square-shaped, circular, triangular, star-shaped,or may comprise multiple prongs. In various implementations, the ferrule204 may secure the swivel connector 202 in a housing in the first end ofthe handle and/or in the ferrule 204. In some implementations, the shaftof the swivel connector may protrude through the cutout. In suchimplementations, the cutout may define a range of movement of the swivelconnector 202.

In various implementations, the swivel connector 202 may allow theapplicator 102 to move independent from and relative to the handle. Forexample, the swivel connector 202 may permit the applicator 102 torotate through a plane defined by the cutout in the ferrule 204, such asfrom P₂ to P₄.

In various implementations, the swivel connector 202 may be coatedand/or covered with a substance to increase surface friction, therebyholding the applicator 102 in the desired position absent theapplication of a certain amount of force. In some implementations, theswivel connector 202 may be made of a material with a coefficient offriction that permits movement about the plane only if adequate pressureis applied.

As shown in the illustrative example at position P₃, the swivelconnector 202 may also allow the applicator 102 to rotate 360 degreesclockwise or counterclockwise about its own axis. This may be desirablefor precise application of cosmetic product. For example, application ofproduct in a straight line may be more precise using a cross section ina particular orientation which is long and narrow. Conversely, if a wideapplication of product is required, rotating the applicator 90 degreesfrom the previous example may be more desirable.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the components of the cosmetic implementshown in FIGS. 1A and 1B and FIGS. 2A and 2B.

Cosmetic implement 100 may be comprised of a handle 104 with a first end302 proximale to the applicator 102 and a second end 304 distal to theapplicator 102. The first end 302 of the handle 104 may be configured tohouse the swivel connector 202. The housing in the first end 302 of thehandle 104 may be a ball-and-socket joint, or any other reasonableconnection to allow the swivel connector to move freely in alldirections, and also rotate clockwise or counterclockwise about its ownaxis.

In the illustrative example, swivel connector 202 comprises a ball 306and a link 308. In some implementations, the swivel connector may becomprised of a sack of substantially fluid material with a rigid pieceprotruding away from the handle 104. In such implementations, the sackof substantially fluid material may be sized to fit snugly within thefirst end 302 of the handle 104, the fit allowing for free movement inall directions, and also rotation about the axis of the swivel connector202.

In various implementations, swivel connector 202 may be secured in placewith a ferrule 310. The ferrule 310 may be composed of metal, glass,ceramic, plastic, composite, or the like. In the illustrative example,ferrule 310 may be secured to the first end 302 of handle 104 via ascrew-type connection. In other implementations, ferrule 310 may besecured via a snap configuration. In still other implementations, theferrule 310 may be secured to the handle 104 with an adhesive (e.g.,epoxy, polyurethane, polyimide, cyanoacrylates, etc.).

In some implementations, a resistance or frictional material may beplaced between the swivel connector 202 and the ferrule 310. Thefrictional material may prevent the swivel connector 202 from moving inrelation to the handle without a threshold force applied by a user, forexample. The frictional material may be connected to or manufacturedwith either the swivel connector 202 or the ferrule 310. However, insome implementations, the frictional material may also be a separatecomponent of the cosmetic implement 100 placed between the swivelconnector 302 and the ferrule 310.

Example material of the frictional material may include rubber,polyurethane, nylon, Teflon, silicone, polypropylene, acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene (ABS), polyethylene or the like. Frictional materialmay be chosen to have a desired static and/or kinetic frictionalproperties based on desired resistance to movement (i.e., the desiredthreshold force that must be applied by the user to move the ferrulerelative to the handle.) In some implementations, frictional materialmay also comprise a lubricant to reduce wear of the swivel connector 202and the ferrule 310.

Ferrule 310 comprises a cutout through which the link 308 may protrudewhen ferrule 310 is secured to the first end 302 of the handle 104. Invarious implementations, the cutout is circular, thereby allowing thelink 308 to move in a circular pattern, or any other direction withinthe circle. In some implementations the cutout may be square,rectangular, triangular, star-shaped, diamond-shaped, multi-pronged, orany other shape desired for the movement track of the link 308. Invarious implementations, the ferrule 310 may comprise a detent to allowthe link 308 (and consequently the attached applicator 102) to be seatedin a particular position and secured by a snap fit, a snug fit, or anyother reasonable method.

In the illustrative example, ferrule 310 has a substantially flat top.In other examples, the ferrule 310 may have a dome-shaped top, therebypermitting a potentially greater angle of deflection of the link 308,and consequently the applicator 102.

The applicator 102 may be connected to handle 104 via link 308 of theswivel connector 202. In various examples, applicator 102 may be coupledto the link 308 by, for example, fusing, gluing, anchoring, clamping,press-fit, stapling, or inserting the link 308 into at least a portionof the applicator 102. In yet other implementations, the applicator 102may be secured to the link 308 via a screw connection, a snapconnection, or any other reasonable method.

In various implementations, link 308 may be telescopic thereby makingapplicator 102 extendable. In some implementations, link 308 may bemanually extendable (e.g. by applying force away from the handle,twisting to extend, etc.). In other implementations, link 308 may beextendable via an extension mechanism (e.g. a spring-loaded mechanismactivated by a button).

Applicator 102 may be configured to house application surface 106.Application surface 106 may be secured in the applicator 102 by gluing,anchoring, clamping, press-fit, or any other reasonable method forsecuring an application surface into a housing. As described above inthe discussion of FIGS. 1A and 1B, application surface 106 may becomprised of a plurality of bristles. In various implements, theapplication surface 106 may be made of silicone, rubber, sponge, foam,latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof.

In the illustrative example, application surface 106 has an ovular crosssectional shape, with a substantially flat top surface. In otherimplementations, application surface 106 may have a rectangular,triangular, circular, semi-circular cross sectional shape. Additionally,in some implementations, the application surface 106 may have a topsurface that is rounded or textured (e.g., fan-shape, dome-shape, etc.).

FIG. 4 depicts a front view of the assembled components of the cosmeticimplement shown in FIGS. 1-3.

As described above with respect to FIG. 3, cosmetic implement 100 maycomprise a handle 104 with a first end 302 proximal to the applicator102 and a second end 304 distal to the applicator 102. In theillustrative example, the first end 302 is configured to house theswivel connector 202. The housing in the first end 302 may allow theswivel connector 202 to move freely in all directions, including arotation about its own axis.

In various implementations, the swivel connector 202 comprises a ball306 and a link 308. In some implementations, the ball 306 may be housedin the first end 302 of the handle 104, and secured in place with aferrule 310. In the illustrative example, ferrule 310 is secured to thefirst end 302 of handle 104 via a screw-type connection. In otherimplementations, ferrule 310 may be secured via a snap configuration,and/or an adhesive.

In some implementations, a resistance or frictional material may beplaced between the swivel connector 202 and the ferrule 310. Thefrictional material may prevent the swivel connector 202 from moving inrelation to the handle without a threshold force applied by a user, forexample. The frictional material may be connected to or manufacturedwith either the swivel connector 202 or the ferrule 310. However, insome implementations, the frictional material may also be a separatecomponent of the cosmetic implement 100 placed between the swivelconnector 302 and the ferrule 310.

Ferrule 310 comprises a cutout through which the link 308 may protrudewhen ferrule 310 is secured to the first end 302 of the handle 104. Inthe illustrative example, ferrule 310 has a substantially flat top,thereby allowing the applicator to move along a plane of motion asdefined by the cutout. In other implementations, the ferrule 310 mayhave a dome-shaped top, thereby permitting a potentially greater angleof deflection of the applicator 102.

The applicator 102 may be connected to handle 104 via link 308 of theswivel connector 202. In various implementations, link 308 may betelescopic, thereby making the applicator 102 extendable.

FIGS. 5A and 5B depict perspective views of an illustrative example of acosmetic implement with a ferrule which allows movement between a firstposition shown in FIG. 5A and the multiple positions including a pre-setposition shown in FIG. 5B.

Cosmetic implement 500, similar to cosmetic implement 100, comprises ahandle 502 with a first end and a second end, and a ferrule 504 coupledto the first end of handle 502. In some implementations, the first endof handle 502 may house swivel connector 506, and the ferrule 504 maysecure the swivel connector 506 in place. In some implementations, theferrule may house and secure swivel connector 506.

As discussed above, in various implementations, there may be aresistance or frictional material between the swivel connector 506 andthe ferrule 504 and/or the handle 502. The frictional material mayprevent the swivel connector 506 from moving in relation to the handlewithout a threshold force applied by a user, for example. The resistanceor frictional material may be connected to or manufactured with eitherthe swivel connector 506, the ferrule 504, or the handle 502. However,in some implementations, the frictional material may also be a separatecomponent of the cosmetic implement 500 placed between the swivelconnector 506 and the ferrule 504 and/or the handle 502.

Cosmetic implement 500 also includes an applicator 508 with anapplication surface 510. In various implementations, the applicator 508may be coupled to the swivel connector 506 by fusing, gluing, anchoring,clamping, press-fit, stapling, or inserting the link into at least aportion of the applicator 508. In some implementations, the applicator508 may be coupled to the swivel connector 506 via a screw connection, asnap connection, or any other reasonable method of coupling theapplicator and swivel connector such that they move in concert.

In various implementations, the swivel connector allows the applicator508 to move about a plane, as defined by a cutout in the ferrule 504. Inthe some implementations, the cutout in the ferrule may be circular orsubstantially circular, thereby allowing the applicator to track, viaany path, to multiple positions. For example, the applicator may movefreely between a first position, P₁, in which the applicator is alignedwith an axis 512 of the handle 502, and multiple other positions atvarious angles to the axis 512, such as P₃, and P₄, as shown in FIG. 5B.In other implementations, the cutout may be substantially square-shaped,fan-shaped, star-shaped, or may be comprised of tracks, thereby limitingmovement of the applicator within the tracks (i.e., back and forthmovement).

In some implementations, the cutout in the ferrule 504 may include adetent 514. In such implementations, the detent 512 may secure theswivel connector 506 into a particular position by, for example, a snapfit. In some implementations the detent 514 may be a clip to secure theapplicator in a particular position. In some implementations, range maybe limited by “stops” or the extent of grooves or tracks in the ferrule.In the illustrative example, the detent 512 is a substantially circularhole in a lateral side of the ferrule, the detent 512 being part of thecutout. In such examples, the detent 512 may secure the swivelconnector, and consequently the applicator, at a 90 degree angle fromthe axis 512. In other implementations, as described below, the ferrulemay include a plurality of detents at various angles. The angled detentsmay provide for a more precise, or ergonomically efficient applicationof cosmetics to a certain area.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, the applicator 508 may rotate 360 degreesclockwise or counterclockwise about an applicator axis 516, as depictedat P₂. The rotation of the applicator 508 about axis 516 allows thesingle cosmetic implement to have a narrow application surface in oneorientation, and a wide application surface in another orientation. Forexample, if a wide brush is required, the longer dimension of applicatorsurface 510 may be aligned vertically. Conversely, if a thin applicationis required, applicator 508 may be rotated 90 degrees about applicator516, placing the longer dimension of applicator surface 510 in ahorizontal orientation.

In various other implementations, the width, shape, size, diameterand/or other dimensional characteristic of the applicator surface 510may be determined by the position of applicator 508 of cosmeticimplement 500. The adjustments to applicator surface 510 by rotatingapplicator 508 may be made for increased precision or ergonomicconsiderations.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict perspective views of an illustrative example of acosmetic implement with a ferrule which allows movement between a firstposition as shown in FIG. 6A and multiple pre-set positions as shown inFIG. 6B. FIG. 6C depicts a top view of the ferrule shown in FIGS. 6A and6B.

FIGS. 6A and 6B depict a cosmetic implement 600 which may comprise anyof the features or combinations thereof discussed above with referenceto FIGS. 1A-5B. As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, cosmetic implement600 further comprises a dome-shaped ferrule 602 with tracking pattern604. In the illustrative example, the ferrule 602 houses and securesswivel connector 606. In some implementations, swivel connector 606 maybe housed in a ball-and-socket joint in ferrule 602 and/or handle 608.

As discussed above, a resistance or frictional material may be placedbetween the swivel connector 606 and the ferrule 602. The frictionalmaterial may be, for example, rubber, polyurethane, nylon, Teflon,silicone, polypropylene, ABS, polyethylene or the like. The frictionalmaterial may be chosen to have a desired static and/or kineticfrictional properties based on desired resistance to movement (i.e., thedesired threshold force that must be applied by the user to move theferrule relative to the handle.) In some implementations, the frictionalmaterial may also comprise a lubricant to reduce wear of the swivelconnector 606 and the ferrule 602.

As illustrated in FIG. 6C, ferrule 602 comprises a tracking pattern 604with three defined tracks T₁, T₂, and T₃. In other implementations,ferrule 602 may have more or less tracks. Each track, such as T₁, T₂,and T₃, may be of different length, allowing the applicator to track topre-set positions at the end of each track, the pre-set positionscorresponding to different angular positions of the applicator.

As depicted in FIG. 6C, track T₁ has the shortest track length (relativeto T₂, and T₃), which corresponds to position P₂. At position P₂,applicator 610 may be secured at an angle θ relative to the axis of thehandle 608. As further depicted in FIG. 6C, track T₃ has the longesttrack length (relative to T₁, and T₂), which corresponds to position P₄.At position P₄, applicator 610 may be secured at angle α relative to theaxis of the handle 608, where α>θ. Additionally, track T₂, whichcorresponds to position P₃, has a track length greater than T₁ and lessthan T₃. Consequently, α>ψ>θ, where ψ is the angle of the applicator atposition P₃ relative to the axis of the handle 608.

The pre-set positions may secure the applicator 610 at different angles(e.g., α, ψ, and θ) to improve the ergonomics and efficiency of cosmeticapplication to various places on the head, face, and body. For example,a first application of cosmetics, such as an application of foundationto a forehead, may require an applicator 610 that is aligned with anaxis of the handle 608, as depicted in FIG. 6A at position P₁. A secondapplication of cosmetics, such as an application of eye liner to a lowereyelid, may require an applicator 610 deflected at an angle, such asangle θ at P₂. The acute angle θ may allow the application surface tomore easily fit underneath the lower eyelashes, thereby providing a moreergonomic and efficient application of eye liner.

In various implementations, as shown in the illustrative example atposition P₂, the applicator 610 may also rotate 360 degrees clockwise orcounterclockwise about its own axis. This may be desirable for even moreprecise application of cosmetic product, where a more wide or narrowcross section of the application surface is desired.

In various implementations, tracks T₁, T₂, and T₃ may each include adetent for securing the applicator 610 in pre-set positions. In someimplementations the detent may be a clip to secure the applicator in aparticular position. In some implementations, range may be limited by“stops” or the extent of grooves or tracks in the ferrule. In variousimplementations, each track may be comprised of more than one detent orstop, each detent or stop securing the applicator in a different pre-setpositions along each track.

FIG. 7 depicts an illustrative example of a cosmetic implement with aremovable applicator. The cosmetic implement depicted in FIG. 7 maycomprise any of the features or combinations thereof discussed abovewith reference to FIGS. 1A-6C.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, cosmetic implement 700 further comprises aremovable applicator 702, such as removable applicator 702A-702E. Theremovable applicator 702 may be secured to handle 704 by a swivelconnector 706. In the illustrative example, the swivel connector 706comprises a ball 708 and a link 710. In various implementations, theball 708 may be housed in a ball-and-socket joint in the handle 704, andsecured in place with a ferrule 712. In some implementations, the ball708 may be housed and secured by ferrule 712. The link 710 of the swivelconnector 706 is configured to protrude out of the handle 704 and/or theferrule 712.

In the illustrative example, removable applicator 702 may be coupled tothe link 710 by a screw-type adapter. In such examples, the removableapplicator 702 may be secured to the link 710 by rotating the applicatoronto the link in a clockwise rotation. In various implementations, theremovable applicator 702 may be coupled to link 708 by a snap-fit orpress-fit connection. In some implementations, removable applicator 702may comprise a spring loaded latch system such that when at least onebutton is pressed, latches securing the removable applicator 702 togrooves in the link 710 may be released. Conversely, when the at leastone button is released, the tension in the spring releases, and thelatches seat in grooves located on link 710, thereby firmly securing theremovable applicator to the swivel connector 706.

Removable applicator 702 may be configured to house application surface714. Application surface 714 may be secured in removable applicator 702by gluing, anchoring, clamping, press-fit, or any other reasonablemethod for securing an application surface into a housing. In variousimplementations, application surface 714 may be a sponge applicator,such as that depicted in application surface 714A. In someimplementations, application surface 714 may be comprised of a group ofbristles forming a brush applicator, such as those depicted inapplication surface 714B-714E. In such implementations, the brushapplicator may be made of natural bristles, synthetic bristles, metallicbristles, flocking or a composite thereof. However, in otherimplementations, the application surface 714 may be made of silicone,rubber, foam, latex, an elastomer, plastic or a composite thereof.

In various implementations, the application surface 714 may take on anynumber of shapes. For example, the application surface 714A comprises asubstantially rectangular shaped surface. However, many other suitablecross sectional shaped surfaces may be used (e.g. square, circle, oval,triangle, fan, etc.). For example, application surface 714B and 714Cdepict semi-circular or dome-type cross sectional shapes. For yet moreexamples, application surface 714D depicts a fan shaped cross sectionalshape, and application surface 714E depicts a triangular cross sectionalshape.

Additionally, in some implementations, application surfaces 714A-714Emay be of varying densities. For example, application surface 714A maybe of a higher bristle count than application surface 714E, or viceversa.

In various implementations, removable applicator 702 may be variable insize (e.g., width, length, height, etc.). For example, as depictedremovable applicator 702D is larger than removable applicator 702C.

A cosmetic implement 700 with a removable applicator 714 provides thecapability of precise application of product for each desired area,further increasing the efficiency of the single applicator which canperform multiple functions.

CONCLUSION

Although implementations have been described in language specific tostructural feature, it is to be understood that the disclosure is notnecessarily limited to the specific features or acts described. Rather,the specific features and acts are disclosed as illustrative forms ofemploying the implementations. For example, in various implementations,any of the structural features and/or methodological acts describedherein may be rearranged, modified, or omitted entirely. For example,the shape, size, and configuration of the cosmetic implement handle,ferrule, applicator, and movement mechanisms may be varied.

What is claimed is:
 1. A brush comprising: a handle having a first endand a second end; a swivel connector having a ball and shaft, whereinthe ball is seated in the first end of the handle and the shaft extendsaway from the first end of the handle; a ferrule coupled to the firstend of the handle, wherein the ferrule secures the swivel connectorwithin the first end of the handle and the shaft protrudes through acutout in the ferrule; and an applicator coupled to the shaft, theapplicator being movable within the confines of the cutout in theferrule.
 2. The brush as claim 1 recites, further comprising a frictionmaterial on the ball of the swivel connector, the friction materialconfigured to increase friction between the ball and the ferrule.
 3. Thebrush as claim 2 recites, wherein the friction material comprises atleast one of: a rubber; a polyurethane; a silicone; a polypropelene; apolyethylene; or a nylon.
 4. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein theapplicator further comprises an application surface, the applicationsurface comprising a plurality of bristles configured in at least oneof: a fan shape; a rectangular shape; a triangular shape; or a domeshape.
 5. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the applicator isfurther movable in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation about itsaxis.
 6. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the applicator furthercomprises an application surface, the application surface comprising asponge.
 7. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the applicator isremovable.
 8. The brush as claim 1 recites, wherein the ferrule issubstantially flat at the first end of the handle, and the cutout in theferrule further comprises a detent, the detent being perpendicular tothe substantially flat ferrule and sized to hold the shaft of the swivelconnector.
 9. A cosmetic implement comprising: a handle; a ferrulecoupled to the handle, the ferrule comprising a cutout with a firstsubstantially circular section on a top side of the ferrule and a secondsubstantially circular section on a lateral side of the ferrule, thefirst and second substantially circular sections being connected; aswivel connector, the swivel connector housed inside the ferrule and theswivel connector comprising: a ball configured to move within theferrule; and a shaft coupled to the ball, the shaft being distal to thehandle; and an applicator coupled to the shaft of the swivel connector,the applicator comprising an application surface distal to the handle,wherein the applicator is movable: about a plane defined by the firstsubstantially circular section of the cutout; and into a positionsubstantially perpendicular to the handle defined by the secondsubstantially circular section of the cutout;
 10. The cosmetic implementas claim 9 recites, further comprising a snap-fit connector between thefirst substantially circular section and the second substantiallycircular section, the snap-fit connector configured to secure the shaftat a 90 degree angle from the handle.
 11. The cosmetic implement asclaim 9 recites, further comprising a friction material on the ball ofthe swivel connector, the friction material configured to increasefriction between the ball and the ferrule and comprising at least oneof: a rubber; a polyurethane; a silicone; a polypropelene; apolyethylene; or a nylon.
 12. The cosmetic implement as claim 9 recites,wherein the application surface is comprised of a plurality of bristles,the plurality of bristles configured in at least one of: a fan shape; arectangular shape; a triangular shape; or a dome shape.
 13. The brush asclaim 9 recites, wherein the applicator is further movable in aclockwise or counterclockwise rotation about its axis.
 14. The cosmeticimplement as claim 9 recites, the applicator being removable andreplaceable.
 15. A cosmetic implement comprising: a handle; a ferrulecoupled to the handle, the ferrule comprising a multi-pronged cutoutwith at least a first track having a first end and a second end, asecond track having a first end and a second end, and a third trackhaving a first end and a second, each of the first, second, and thirdtracks sharing a first end at a center of the ferrule; a swivelconnector, the swivel connector housed inside the ferrule and the swivelconnector comprising: a ball configured to move within the ferrule; anda shaft coupled to the ball, the shaft being distal to the handle; andan applicator coupled to the shaft of the swivel connector, theapplicator comprising an application surface distal to the handle,wherein the applicator is movable between: a first position at the firstend of the first, second, and third tracks; a second position at thesecond end of the first track; a third position at the second end of thesecond track; and a fourth position at the second end of the thirdtrack, wherein applicator is oriented at different angles relative tothe handle at each of the first, second, third, and fourth positions.16. The cosmetic implement as claim 15 recites, further comprising: afirst detent at the second end of the first track; a second detent atthe second end of the second track; and a third detent at the second endof the third track, wherein the first, second and third detents areconfigured to secure the shaft in the first, second, and third positionsrespectively.
 17. The cosmetic implement as claim 15 recites, furthercomprising a friction material on the ball of the swivel connector, thefriction material configured to increase friction between the ball andthe ferrule.
 18. The brush as claim 15 recites, wherein the applicatoris further movable in a clockwise or counterclockwise rotation about itsaxis.
 19. The cosmetic implement as claim 15 recites, wherein theapplication surface is comprised of a plurality of bristles, theplurality of bristles configured in at least one of: a fan shape; arectangular shape; a triangular shape; or a dome shape.
 20. The cosmeticimplement as claim 15 recites, wherein the applicator is removable andreplaceable.